Safety Concerns of Tallahassee's Homeless

Homeless

Posted: Mon 5:56 PM, Sep 22, 2003&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Mon 7:51 PM, Sep 22, 2003

According to homeless advocates, the need for more living spaces for homeless people. The two murders involving homeless or transient Tallahassee residents happened almost two years apart. Coincidentally, they're up for trial the same week.

Robert Thornton sat quietly as a jury was selected for his murder trial. Back in 2000, police found Ben Baldwin's body off North Monroe Street. Both men were homeless, reportedly living in camps in the woods.

Arthur Lee Harris also goes on trial this Week. He's accused of stabbing a man in Frenchtown last year over a pair of sunglasses. Again, both the victim and the accused killer were homeless. Kay Freeman points out future sites of housing space for homeless people. With the downtown shelter at or over capacity, more space is critical.

"Currently, a lot homeless people live in overcrowded situation. As you can well imagine, that can lead to conflict and anger," says Kay.

The Tallahassee Coalition for the Homeless is about $200,000 short of funds for its homeless housing complex. She hopes this week's trials draw the right kind of attention to homeless issues.

"The percent of homeless people who end up in trouble are only about 20 percent. We need to think about serving the majority of the homeless to the fullest capacity possible."

If you'd like to do something to help the homeless, the coalition is getting ready for its annual service day. That's October 18, and they could use any toiletries or basic necessities you might want to offer. You can call 576-5566 for more information.

Robert Thornton faces first-degree murder. Arthur Lee Harris faces second-degree murder. Thornton's attorney tells us his client spent a year and a half in a psychiatric hospital, that's why the trial has been delayed.

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What Can You Do to Help the Homeless?

Do not give cash handouts to a homeless person, unless so moved to do so! By doing so, you risk the chance of aiding a possible alcoholic or drug addict in getting their next fix.

Instead, purchase food for that person yourself.

Be sure to converse with that individual like you would any homed, high esteemed person, so as to convey a sense of worth and civilization in that homeless individual.

After you feed that homeless person, refer them to social services, or another charity that provides food, shelter, and/or assistance.

If you are already affiliated with a charitable or non-profit organization, and you have them to give, leave that person with a food voucher.

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